6 (+2) Best Waterfalls in Iceland

Iceland is full of waterfalls. Approx. 11% of the land's land mass (100 000km2) is covered with glaciers, meaning there is a lot of melting glacier water to go somewhere. Since tons of melting water moves with quite strong force and carves it's way through the landscape as it goes, there are notably over 200 different waterfalls around the land of fire and ice. After maybe the 5th waterfall I felt a bit 'watered out' (pun intended), but managed to pick some as my favorites nevertheless. Here they are.

Dynjandi

Also known as Fjallfoss in the Western fjords, Dynjandi was my most favorite foss. This beauty actually has 7 smaller waterfalls combined, and the main one is cascading pyramid-shaped. It takes a bit of effort to get to Dynjandi as it is quite far from the Ring Road, making it even more special. The best part: no tour buses! (I cannot 100% guarantee that.)

The magnificent Dynjandi captured by @snapzak

Goðafoss

Goðafoss is situated in the North, east from Akureyri. The reason I liked Goðafoss is that you can get to either side of the falls that have a mini waterfall in the middle of the 2 main streams. Goðafossis my pick also because we spent the night there, witnessing beautiful starry sky as well as a gorgeous sunrise in the morning, without the crowds.

Goðafoss at night

Goðafoss in the morning

Hengifoss

With its’ volcanic red rock stripes, even though it is a 2km walk uphill, is well worth the effort. Before Hengifoss there is a smaller version named Litlanessfoss. Hengifoss is noted as the 3rd tallest waterfall in Iceland at 118m. Up at the top you can enjoy magnificent views of the Eastern Icelandic landscape.

Litlanessfoss with Hengifoss on the background and a rainbow, snapped by @snapzak

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is another popular tourist destination, which should be visited at sunrise. It is very impressive, easy to access both the top and the bottom, and has an awesome fish and chips stand nearby. (Mia’s Grill is the name of the place, it is a red van with white polka dots in the front lawn of a house. Do yourself a favour and try their homemade remoulade sauce with potato wedges!)

Skogafoss shot with Steve the drone by @snapzak, sorcery was used to remove all the tourists

Dettifoss

Situated in the Northeast of Iceland in the Vatnajökull National Park, Dettifoss is said to be Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and I believe that. The 100m wide and 44m long waterfall runs through 193 m3 of water in a second. Dettifoss is definitely impressive, and a bit scary as you can stand right next to the forcefully cascading top. It is situated a bit off from the main road, so not that many people make it here.

Dettifoss in all its' power, seemed like the ground was shaking

Dettifoss from further away, courtesy of @snapzak

Gulfoss

Gullfoss is apparently Iceland’s most famous waterfall, as it is easily accessible from Reykjavik along the Golden Circle. This means tourist buses from the morning onwards. We happened to arrive on a day it was raining quite heavily (in about +2C), so I wasn’t in the mood for setting up gear for shots. If the weather is not in your favor, you're short on time and you can’t get there for sunrise, it is maybe best to skip it.

All the glacier mist at Gulfoss

If you had to miss one of famous foss, in my opinion that would be Seljalandsfoss. The reason for this is, that even though in good weather conditions you can go behind the fall and get nice pictures from there, it is located in the south, making it a tour bus stop. If you do not get here at sunrise, perhaps it is best to save your patience for less trotted spots.

Seljalandsfoss snapped by @snapzak using perfect timing, composition, and magic to remove all the people

Bonus: Kirkjufellsfoss. This foss is definitely a bit "out of the way" as it is located on the Snaefellsness Peninsula, northwest of Reykjavik. It is well worth the drive; although the falls are not that big or spectacular, they’re located opposite a pretty unique mountain. This location is popular among photography workshop groups, and even though we camped there overnight, the tripods started arriving around sunrise. Kirkjufellsfoss might not be mighty in size, but it is mighty in its' atmosphere.

Kirkjufellsfoss in the first daylight hours. I was making breakfast when @snapzak took this shot